Drive and steering gear for automobile vehicles.



PATENTED MAY 26, 1908.

E. P. COOPER.

DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR AUTOMOBILE VEHICLES APPLICATION FILED P111825, 1907.

6 SHEETS-SHEET l.

Inventor,

Witnesses:

PATENTED MAY 26, E. P. OOOPER. DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR AUTOMOBILEVEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 25, 1907.

s SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Inventor,

Witnesses PATENTED MAY 26, 1908.

E. P. COOPER.

DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR AUTOMOBILE-VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 25, 1907.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Witnesses No. 888,589. A PATENTED MAY 26, I908.

E. P. COOPER.

- DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR AUTOMOBILE VEHICLES.

' 8 APPLICATION FILED FEB. 25, 1907.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Witnesses Inventor,

PATENTED MAY 26, 1908.

E. P. COOPER. 8 DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR AUTOMOBILE VEHICLES.

. APPLICATION FILED PEB.25, 1907.

6 SHEETSSHEET 5 Witnesses No. 888,589. PATENTED MAY 26 v I E. P. COOPER.

DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR AUTOMOBILE VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 25, 1907. I

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD P. COOPER, or PAW PAW, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR or ONE-HALF TO OLINJAMES .COOPER, OF HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN.

DRIVE AND STEERING GEAR FOR/AUTOMOBILE VEHICLES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 26, 1908.

Application filed February 25, 1907'. Serial No. 359,083.

Paw, county of Van Buren, and State of- Michigan, have invented certain.new and useful Im rovements in Drive and Steering Gear forotor-Vehicles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in vehicles. I

The objects of this invention are, first, to provide in a vehicle animproved steering gear by which the wheels are maintained in their pro Tor relations to prevent skidding in turning t e vehicle. Second, toprovide in a motor vehicle an improved driving gear. Third, to providein a motor vehicle an impi'oved driving gear in which the wheels areiven at their proper relative speeds in turning to prevent skidding.

' Furt er objects, and objects relating to details of construction, willdefinitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the'devices and meansdescribed in the following specification. v

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

Astructure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustratedin the accom- 1p1anying drawing, forming a part of this specication, inwhich,

Figure 1 is a detail plan of a structure embodying the features of myinvention, the body being removed and part of the body frame beingbroken away, the relative positions assumed by the wheels in making aturn being indicated by dotted lines. Fig. 2

is anenlar ed detail section taken on a line correspon ing to lines 22of Figs. 1 and 3, showing details of the driving connections Fig. 3 is adetail plan of the structure appearing in Fig. 2, the carrying wheel 11being removed. Fig. 4 is an inside view of the cap plate 10 by which thespindle shaft 9 is con-' nected to the wheels. Fig. 5 is a detailsection corresponding to that of Fig. 2, taken on a line correspondingto lines 5 5 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail section taken on aline corresponding to lines 66 of Figs. 1 and 7, showing details of thedriving and steerin mechanism. Fig. 7 is a detail section talren on aline corresponding to line 77 of Fig.6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detailplan, partially in section, taken on a line corresponding to line 88 ofFig. 7, showing further details of the drivin steering mechanism. Fig. 9is a deta' vertical section taken on a line corres onding to line 99 ofFig. 8, showing detai s of the means for varying the relative speed ofthe wheels in turning. Fig. 10 is an enlarged inverted plan of theplates 25 of the steerin mechanism. Fig. 11 is an enlarged verticaandsection'taken on a line corresponding to line 11-11 of Fig. 8. Fig.12 is an enlarged section taken on a line corresponding to line I 1212of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a side elevation of one-ofthe transmission diskgear 42. Fig. 14 is an enlarged section taken on a line corresponding toline 1414 of Fig. 11. Fig. 15 is an enlarged detail partially in sectionof the driving shaft, showing one of the flexible joints thereof. Fig.16 is an enlarged detail showing the guide pulleys 62 and 62 for thesteering cable. Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail section taken on line 1717of Fig. 1, showing details of. the steering rod and connections. Fig. 18is an enlarged detail taken on a line corresponding to line l81 8 ofFi 1. Fig. 19 isan enlarged detail taken on line 1919 of Fig. 1, showingdetails of the steering mechanism.

- n the drawing, the sectional views are taken looking in the directionof the little arrows at the ends of the sectionlines, and similarreference characters refer to similar parts throughout the severalviews.

Referring .to the drawing," the axles are rigidly connected to the frontand rear axle frames. These axle frames preferably consist of the sidebars 1 and cross bars 2 and 3 on which the driving and steering gear aremounted. The axle frames are connected by a centrallyv arranged swiveljoint 70. The axles are provided with spind the axle and the yoke 7being secured to the spindle, the connecting ivots 5'for the yokes beinarranged vertical y. The ivots 5 are 'fixe to the spindle yokes 7 an arefree to revolve in the axle yokes 6. The axles are preferably made u ofhollow sections 4 connected by central y-arranged .yokes 20; see Fig. 6.

Within the axles are tubular drivin shafts 13, havin gears 14 at theirouter ends arranged to mes with the gears 15.mounted es 8, which are'pivotally connected thereto by means of the vokes 6 and 7, the yoke 6being secured to on the spindle pivots 5. The spindles 8 are hollow andare provided with suitable bearfor the spindle shafts 9, which are proin s vided with gears 16 on their inner ends 'arranged to mesh with thegears 15. Through this connection the spindle shafts 9 are driven andthe spindles are left' free to swing on their pivots. The outer ends ofthe shafts 9 are referably squared and ada ted tg engage t e sockets 12in the cap-p ates 10 on the outer ends of the hubs of the wheels 11,which are provided with suitable hearings on the spindles 8. Ipreferably provide a pair of the cars 15 to connect the cars 14 and 16,as .I am thus enabled to use ighter gears and the strain on the shaftsis reduced to a minimum.

Within the driving shafts 13, I arrange steerin shafts 17, which areconnected to the pivots or the wheel spindles by the gears 18 and 19,the gears 19 being secured to the spindles and the gears 18 to theshafts. The

gears 18 and 19 are arranged so that they are embraced by the gears 14,15 and 16, thus making a very compact arrangement. On the inner ends ofthe shafts 13 are gears 21 and 21, which are arran ed to mesh with thegears and 57 on the s rafts 28 and 37 The driving connection for theseshafts will be later described in detail.

On the inner ends of the steering shafts 17 are wheels 22 havingradially-arran ed his 23 and 23,on the peri heries thereof. upportedabove these w eels 22 are plates 25, curved in cross section tocorrespond to the peripheries of the wheels, having grooves 24 and 24 inits inner face adapted to receive the pins'23 and 23, respectively; seeFigs. 6,

. 7 and 10. The plates 25 arejslidably mountabled to secure the edwithin the frames 27, the lates being preferably provided with suitab erib-like guides 26, which engage suitable ways provided therefor in theframes.

The grooves 24 and 24 are arranged diagonally of the steering plates anddiverge from a central point, the central point being indicated by theposition of the pins 23 and 23, Fig. 10. It will be observed that, whenthe steerin plate is shifted, the steering shafts 17 are rocked in theirbearings, thereby turning the wheels on their spindle pivots. On accountof the constantly varying angles which the wheels would assume inturning, in order to prevent skidding, the grooves 24 and 24 aresubstantially straight at one side of the central point and curvedoutwardly or away from the other groove on the opposite side of thecenter. Through this means, I am enroper turnin of the wheels on theirspin e pivots to rfihninate skidding of any of the wheels on any-curveit is desired to make. I preferably shift the steering plates 25 bymeans of the cables 63 and 63, which are connected to the drums on theshaft 44. The cables 63 for the forward steering plate are arranged overthe guide (pulleys 61 and 62, the cab es being connecte at each end ofthe steering plates, as

clearly a pears in Fig. 1, the pulleys 61 beingv preferab y located onthe. front axle and the pulleys 62 being located at the rear end of thefront frame to pro erly guide the cables to the steering rod. e cablesfor the rear steering plate are" correspondingly arranged on the rearaxle and frame.

To prevent variations in the tension on the steering cables in themovement of the axle frames relative to each other the shaft 44 islocated above the swivel connections for the frames. The steering rod 65is connected to the shaft 44 bythe s rocket 68 which permits thelocating of the steering rod at any desired point. The steering rod ispreferably provided with a flexible portion consisting of the universaljoints 66, having a slip connection 67, which permits of the movement ofthe body frame 34 by which the up per section of the steering rod iscarried.

- The shafts 44 and the lower sections of the steering rod are referablysupported bya bracket 69. See ig. 17. The shaft 28 is preferablyconnected to the power by means of the shaft 33 and gears 31 and 32. Theshaft 28 is made up of sections, the central section being mounted onthe vehicle body frame 34 and the end sections on the front and rearaxleframe. The shaft sections are connected. by "flexible connectionspreferably consisting of the universal couplings 29, one of which isprovided with a squared or irregular member arranged in a vcorrespondmgsocket 30 in the other, thereby securing a sh joint. This allows freemovement of the ve 'cle body relative to the axle frame.

. Inasmuch as it is necessary to vary the relative speed of the wheelsin turning, in order to prevent sliding, I preferably use a mechanlsmadapted to accomplish this in connection with my improved steeringmechanism. This varying speed drive I preferablyaccomplish by thefollowing described mechanism: A transmission shaft 37, arrangedparallel with the shaft 37, before referred to, is connected to thedriving shaft 28 by means of the gears 36 and 38, the ear 36 beingarranged on the shaft 28, and t e gear 38 on the transmission shaft 37.On the shafts 37 and 357 are disks 42, having a plurality oftangentially-arranged grooves 47 'on their faces. These grooves arepreferably curved as clearly appears in Figs. 9 and 13. Wheels 48, havinrod-like s okes 49, are arranged against t e groove faces of thesedisks, as clearly ap ears in Fig. 11. On the spokes of the whee s48 Iarrange a plurality of belt rim blocks 50, havin projecting pins ontheir, rear ends adapts grooves 47 in the disks 42, the rim b ocks beingslidably arranged on the s okes, so that, when the disks are shifted,the locks are carto en age the ried in or out,- thereb varying the'sizeof the belt rim. The whe s 48 are secured to the shafts 37 and 37 torevolve'therewith. The disks 42 are adjustably mounted thereon, so thatthey ma be adjusted to vary the belt rims. The w eels 48 are connectedby a belt 52, as clearly appears in Fig. 8. This belt is preferablyrovrded with a belt tightener consistin of the wheel 53 carried by thearms 54, the W eel being arranged so that it normally travels or restsupon the belt. The arms 54 are pivotedat 55. r

A spring as 55 is provided for applying tension to the tightener. Thedisks 42 are preferably shifted by means of the rods 39 and 39, which.are provided with spiral grooves 40. Through the hubs 43 of the disks 42are screws 44, ada ted to en age these grooves 40, so that, w en the ros 49 are shifted longitudinally, the disks are shifted on the shafts 37and 37'. The disks 42 are preferably connected to the shafts by means ofthe set screws 46 arran ed through the hubs thereof to engage t eannular grooves 45 in the shafts. Turning of the rods 39 in the shaftsvis prevented by the key blocks 59'which are arranged in suitable keyways formed in the rods. The key blocks are carried by the set screws56. The rods 39 are connected b the cross pieces or coupling bars 40(see Figs. 1 and 8) so that they may be operated together. The rooves inthe rods are so arranged that the d sks 42 are shifted in op ositedirections, thereby increasing the diameter of one belt rim anddecreasin the diameter of its companion belt rim. T e cross pieces 40are secured together by means of the rod 41, which is provided with arack 42, with which the inion 43 on the shaft 44 is arranged to mes Bythus arranging the parts, the relative speed at which the wheels aredriven is regulated through the steerin rod. By thus arranging andconnecting t e parts, I secure a mech anism by which a vehicle may beturned on any desired curve without skidding or sliding of any of thewheels. While I prefer to use the driving and steering mechanism, asillustrated, in combination, it is evident that they may be usedindependently with desirable results.

I have, in the foregoing description and in the accompanying drawing,illustrated and described my improved driving and steering gear indetail in the form preferred by me on 'account of the structuralsimplicity and economy. I am, however, aware that it is capable of verygreat variation in structural details without departing from myinvention, and I desire to be understood as claimin the samespecifically, as illustrated, as we 1 as broadly.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

. 1. The combiuation of the front and rear frames; a swivel connectionfor said frames;

said spindles to said axles; tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles;spindle shafts arranged in said spindles; gears on said axles andspindle shafts; connecting gears for said axle and spindle shaft gearsmounted on said spindle pivots; wheels mounted on said axle spind es andconnected to said spindle shafts; steering shafts arrangedlin said axleshafts; gears on the outer ends of said steering shafts; gears securedto said spindlepivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on saidsteering shafts; a' pair of adjustably-mounted .plates curved in crosssection having a pair of diagonally-arranged grooves in their innerfaces, said grooves diverging in each direction from a central point,straight on one side of its central point and curved on the other; pinscarried by said steering shafts arranged to engage the grooves in saidplates; a steering rod; connecting cables for said steering rod to saidplates whereby they are adjusted; guide pulleys for said cables, theguide pulleys for the front plate being arranged on the said front frameand those for the rear plate being arranged on the said rear frame; adriving each groove being substantially shaft; gear connections thereforto a pair of i the said axle shafts; transmission shafts arranged inpairs; gear connections for one of each pair of said transmission shaftsto said driving shaft and for the other pair of said transmission shaftsto the other pair of axle shafts; driving connections for said pairs oftransmission shafts, consisting of wheels having rod-like spokes to saidshafts,-

rim blocks slidably mounted on said spokes, disks havingtangentially-arranged grooves in their inner faces adapted'to enga esaid blocks whereby, when said disks are ad usted, said blocks areshifted on said spokes, adjusting rods for said disks havingspirallyarranged grooves therein, and pins on said disks arranged toengage said grooves whereby, when said rods are shifted longitudinally,said disks are adjusted; connecting belts for said transmission wheels;connecting bars for said adjusting rods; and a connecting rod for saidbars connected to said steering rod, all coacting for the purposespecified.

2. The combination of hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle s afts; connecting gearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindlepivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected to saidspindle shafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts; gears onthe outer ends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindlepivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; apair of adjustablymounted plates curved in cross section having apair ofdiagonally-arranged grooves in their inner faces said grooves divergingin each direction from a central point, each groove being substantiallystraight on one side of its central point and curved on the other; pinscarried by said steering shafts arranged to engage the grooves in saidplates; a steering rod; connections for said steering rod to said plateswhereby they areadjusted a drivin shaft; gear connections therefor to apair 0 the said axle shafts; transmission shafts arranged in pairs; gearconnections for one of each pair of said transmission shafts to saiddriving shaft and for the other pair of'said transmission shafts to theother pair of axle shafts; driving connections for said pairs oftransmission shafts, consisting of wheels having rod-likefspokes securedto said shafts, rimblocks slidably mounted on said s okes, disks havingtangentially-arrange grooves in their inner faces adapted to engage saidblocks whereby, when said disks are adjusted, said blocks are shiftedonv said spokes; adjusting rods for said disks having spirally-arrangedgrooves therein, and pins on said disks arranged to engage said grooveswhereby, when said rods are shifted longitudinally, said disks are ad-'justed; connecting belts for said transmission wheels connecting barsfor said adju/sting rods; and a connecting rod for said bar connected-to said steering rod, all coasting for the purpose specified.

3; The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connection forsaid frames; hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles; verticallyarranged ivots for connecting said spindles to said axles; tubular axleshafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged in said spindles;gears on said axles and spindle shafts; connecting gears for said axleand s indle shaft gears mounted on the said spind e pivots wheelsmounted on said axle spindles and connected to said s indle shaftssteering shafts arranged in sai axle shafts; ears on the outer ends ofsaid steering shaf ts; gears secured to said spindle pivots and arrangedto mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; a pair ofadjustablymounted plates curved in cross section having a pair ofdiagonally-arranged grooves in their inner faces, each groove beingsubstantially strai ht on one side of its central point and curvec? onthe other; pins "carried-by said steering shafts arranged to engage thegrooves in said plates; a steerin rod; connectingcables for saidsteering ro' to said lates whereby they are adjusted; guide pu 1e s forsaid cables, the guide pulleys for the ront plate being arranged on thesaid front frame and transmission shafts; and connections for saidvariable s eed mechanisms to said steering rod Where y they arecontrolled, allcoacting for the purpose specified.

4. The combination of hollow axles; hollow s indles for said axles;vertically-an range ivots for connecting said spindles to said a es;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle shafts; connecting gearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindlepivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected to saidspindle shafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts; gears onthe outer ends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindlepivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; apair of adjustably-mounted plates curved in cross section having a pairof diagonally-arranged grooves in their inner faces, said groovesdiverg'ng in each direction from a central oint eac groove beingsubstantially straig t on one side of its central point and curved on ithe other pair of said transmission shafts to the other pair of axleshafts; variable speed driving connections for said pairs oftransmission shafts; and connections for said variable s eed mechanismsto said steering rod where y they are controlled, all coacting for thepurpose specified.

5. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connection forsaid frames; hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;

vertically-arranged plvots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle shafts; connecting gearsfor said axle and s indle shaft gears mounted on the said spind epivots; wheels mounted on said axle-spindles and connected to said sindle shafts; ,steering shafts arranged in. sai axle shafts; gears onthe-outer ends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindlepivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; apair of adjustablymounted plates curved incross section having to saidplates whereby they are adjusted;

guide pulleys for said cables, the guide pu1 leys for the front platebeing arranged on the said front frame and those for the rear platebeing' arranged on the said rear frame; and driving connections for saidaxle shafts, all coacting for the purpose specified.

6. The combination of hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;verticall -arranged pivots for connecting said spind es to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle shafts; eonnectinggearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindlepivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles, and connected to saidspindle shafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts; gears onthe outer ends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindlepivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts;,apair of adjustablymounted plates curved in cross section having a pairof diagonally-arranged grooves in their inner faces, said groovesdiverging in each direction from a central point, each groove beingsubstantially straight on one side of its central point and curved onthe other; pins carried by said steering shafts arranged to engage thegrooves in said plates; connections for said steering rod to said plateswhereby they are adjusted; and driving connections for said axle shafts,all coacting for the purpose specified.

7. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connection forsaid frames; hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to sald axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle shafts; a steering rod;connecting gears for said axle and s indle shaft gears mounted on thesaid spind e pivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connectedto said spindle shafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts;gears on the .outer .ends of steering shafts; gears secured to saidspindle pivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steeringshafts; a pair of adjustably-mounted plates curved in cross sectionhaving a pair of diagonally-arranged grooves in their inner faces; pinscarried by said steering shafts arranged to en age the grooves in saidplates; 'a steering I0(; connecting cables for said steering rod to saidplates whereby they are adjusted; guide pulleys for said cables, theguide pulleys for the front plate being arranged on the said front frameand those for the rear plate being arranged onfthe said rear frame; adriving shaft; gear connections therefor to a air of the said axleshafts; transmission sfi afts arranged in pairs; gear connections forone of each pair of said transmission shafts to said driving shaft andfor theother pair of said transnussion shafts to the other pair of axleshafts; driving connections for said pairs oftransmission shafts,consisting of Wheels having rod-like spokes secured to said shafts, rimblocks slidably mounted on said spokes, disks havingtangentially-arranged grooves in their inner faces adapted to engagesaid blocks whereby, when said disks are adjusted, said blocks areshifted on said spokes, adjusting rods for said disks havingspirally-arranged grooves therein, and pins on said disks arranged toengage said grooves whereby, when said rods are shifted longitudinally,said disks are adjusted; connecting belts for said transmission wheelsconnecting bars for said adjusting rods; and a connecting rod for saidbars connected to said steering rod, all coacting for the purposespecified.

8. The combination of hollow axles; hollow s indles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle s afts; connecting gearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the saidspindleipivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected tosaid s indle shafts; steering shafts arranged in sai axle shafts; gearson the outer ends of said steering shafts; 105 gears secured to saidspindle pivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steeringshafts; a pair of adjustably-mounted plates curved in cross sectionhaving a pair of diagonally-arranged grooves in their inner 110 faces;pins carried by said steering shafts arranged to engage the grooves insaid plates;

a steering rod; connections for said steering rod to said plates wherebythey are adjusted;

a driving shaft; gear connections therefor to 115 a pair of the saidaxle shafts; transmission shafts arranged in pairs; gear connections forone of each air of said transmission shafts to said driving shaft andfor the other pair of said transmission shafts to'the other 120 pair ofaxle shafts; driving connections for said pairs of transmission shafts,consisting of wheels having rod-like. spokes secured to said shafts, rimblocks slidably mounted on said s okcs, disks having tangentially-ar-125 range grooves in their inner faces adapted to engage said blockswhereby, when said disks are adjusted, said blocks are shifted on saidspokes, adjusting rods for said disks having spirally-arranged groovestherein, and 130 pins on said disks arranged to engage said grooveswhereby, when said rods are shifted longitudinally, said disks areadjusted; connecting belts 'forsaid transmission wheels; connecting barsfor said adjusting rods; and a connecting rod for said bars connected tosaid steering rod, all coacting for the purpose specified. I

9. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connection forsaid frames;

vhollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles 'verticallyarranged pivotsfor connectingsaid spindles to said axles; tubular axle shafts arrangedin said axles; spindle shafts arranged in said s indles; gears on saidaxles and spindle shaflis connecting gears for said axle and spindleshaft gears mounted on the said spind e pivots; wheels mounted on saidaxle spindles and connected to said s indle shafts; steering shaftsarranged in sai axle shafts; ears on the outer ends of saidsteering shas; gears secured to said spindle pivots and arran ed to mesh with saidgears on said steering s afts; a pairof adjustablymounted plates curvedin cross section having a pair of diagonally-arranged grooves in theirinner faces; ins carried by said steering shafts arranged to engage thegrooves in said plates; a steering rod; connecting cables for saidsteering rod to said plates.

whereby they are ad'usted; guide pulleys for said cables, the gui epulleys for the front plate being arranged-on the said front frame andthose for the rear plate being arranged on the said rear frame; adriving shaft; gear connections therefor to a pair of the said axleshafts; transmission shafts arranged in pairs;

gear connections for one of each pair of said transmission shafts tosaid driving shaft and for the other pair of said transmission shafts tothe other pair of axle shafts; variable speed driving connections forsaid pairs of transmission shafts and connections for said variable seed mechanisms to said steering rod whereby they are controlled, allcoacting for the pur ose specified.

10. he combination of hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle shafts; connecting gearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindle pivot;.wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected to said spindleshafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts; gears on the outerends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindle pivots andarranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; a pair ofadjustably-niounted plates 7 curved in cross section having a pair ofdiagonally-arrangcd grooves in thelr inner faces;

pins carried by said steering shafts arranged to engage the grooves insaid plates; a steering rod; connections for said steering rod to saldplates whereby they are adjusted; a driving shaft; gear connectionstherefor to a pair of the said axle shafts; transmission shafts arrangedin pairs; gear connections for one of each pair of said transmissionshafts to said driving shaft and for the other pair of said transmissionshafts to the other pair of axle shafts; variable speed connections forsaid pairs of transmission shafts; and connections for said variablespeed mechanisms to said steering rod whereby they are controlled, allcoacting for thepurpose specified.

11. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connectionfor said frames; hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;verticallyarranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindleshafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle shafts; connecting gearsfor said axle and s indle shaft gears mounted on the said spind epivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected to saidspindle shafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts; gears onthe outer ends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said s indlepivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; apair of adjustablymounted plates curved in cross section having a pairof diagonally arranged grooves in their inner faces; pins carried bysaid steering shafts arranged to engage the grooves in said plates; asteering rod; connecting cables for said steering rod to said plateswhereby they are adjusted; guide pulleys for said cables, the guidepulleys for the front plate being arranged on the said front frame andthose for the rear plate being arranged on the said rear frame; anddriving connections for said axle shafts, all coacting for thepurposespecified. f

12.. The combination of hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;verticallyarranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axles and spindle s afts; connecting gearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindlepivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected to saidspindle shafts; steering shafts arranged in, said axle shafts;

gears on the outer ends of said steering shafts;

' said spindles to sai frames; a swivel connection for said frames;

hollow axles; hollow spindles'for said axles; vertically-arranged ivotsfor connecting g axles; tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles;spindle shafts arranged in said spindles; gears on said axles andspindle shafts; connecting gears for said axle and spindle shaft gearsmounted on the said spind e pivots; wheels mounted on said axle spindlesand connected to said s indle shafts; steering shafts arranged in saidaxle shafts; gears on the outer ends of said steer- 1 ing shafts; gearssecured to said spindle pivots and arranged to mesh with said gears onsaid steering shafts; a steering rod; connections for said steering rodto said steering shafts; a driving shaft;.gear connections therefor to apair of the said axle shafts; transmission shafts arranged in pairs;gear connections for one of each pair of said transmission shafts tosaid driving shaft and for the other pair of said transmission shafts tothe other pair of axle shafts; variable speed driving connections forsaid pairs of transmission shafts; and connections for said variablespeed mechanisms to said steering rod whereby they are controlled, allcoacting for the purpose specified. a

14. The combination of hollow axles; hollow s indles for said axles;vertically-arrange pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle-shafts arranged insaid. spindles; gears on said axles and s indle s afts; connecting gearsfor said ax e and s indle shaft gears mounted on the said spine ivots;wheels mounted on said axle spin les and connected to said s indleshafts; steering shafts arranged in said gears on the outer ends of'said steering shafts;

- for one of each pair 0 said transmission shafts gears secured to saidspindle pivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said steeringshafts; a steering rod; connections for sald steering rod to saidsteering shafts; a driving shaft; gear connections therefor to a pair ofthe said axle shafts; transmission shafts arranged in airs; gearconnections to said driving shaft and for the other pair of saidtransmission shafts to the other pair of axle shafts; variable speeddriving connections for said pairs of transmission shafts; andconnections for said variable speed mechanisms to said steering rodwhereby they are controlled, all coacting for the pur pose specified.

15. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connectionfor said frames; hollow spindles for said axles; vertically-arrangedpivots for connecting said spindles to said axles; tubular axle shaftsarranged axle shafts;

in said axles; spindle shafts arranged'in said steering shafts arrangedinsaid axle shafts;

gears on the outer'ends of said steering shafts;

gears secured to said s indle pivots and arranged to mesh'with sai gearson said steering shafts; a steering rod; connections for sai steeringrod to said steerin shafts; and driving connections for said ax eshafts, all coacting for the purpose specified.

16. The combination of hollow axles; hollow s indles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;tubular axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid s indles; gears on said axles and spindle sfiafts; connecting gearsfor said axle and s indle shaft gears mounted on the said spine pivots;wheels mounted on said axle spindles and connected to said spindleshafts; steering shafts arranged in said axle shafts; gears on the outerends of said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindle pivots andarranged-to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; a steeringrod; connections for sald steering rod to said steerin shafts; anddriving connections for said ax e shafts, all coactin for the purpose secified.

17. he combination 0' the hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;verticallyarranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged in saidspindles; gears on said axle and spindle shafts; connecting gears forsaid axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindle pivots;wheels mounted on said axle spindles connected to said spindle shafts; adriving shaft; gear connections therefor to a pair of the said axleshafts; transmission shafts arranged in pairs; gear connections for oneof each pair of transmission shafts to said driving shaft and for theother pair of said transmission shafts to the other pair of axle shafts;variable speed driving connections for said airs of transmission shaftsconsisting of w eels having rod-like s okes, secured to said shafts, rimblocks sli ably-mounted on said spokes, disks havingtangentiallyarranged grooves in their inner faces adapted toengage saidblocks whereby, when said disks are adjusted, said blocks are shifted onsaid spokes, means forad'usting said disks adjusting rods for said dis shaving spirallyarranged grooves therein, and pms on said disks arrangedto engage said grooves whereby, when said rods are shiftedlongitudinally, said disks are adjusted; connecting belts for saidtransmission wheels; connecting bars for said adjusting rods; aconnecting rod for said bars; and adjusting means therefor.

18. The combination of the hollow axles; hollow spindles for said axles;verticallyarranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged in saidspindles; gears on said axle and spindle shafts;

connecting gears for said axle and spindleshaft gears mounted on thesaid spindle pivots; wheels mounted on said axle spining shaft; gearconnections therefor to a pair, of the said axle shafts; transmissionshafts arranged in pairs; ear connections for one of each air of saidtransmission shafts to said driving shaft and for the other pair of saidtransmission shafts to the other pair ofaxle shafts; variable speeddriving connections for said pairs of transmission shafts, consisting ofwheels, having rod-like spokes, secured to said shafts, rim blocks;slidablymounted on said spokes, disks having tangentially-arrangedgrooves in their inner faces ada ted to engage said blocks whereby, whensai disks are adjusted, said blocks are shifted on said spokes; andconnecting belts forsaid transmission wheels.

19.- The combination of the hollow axles; hollow spindles for saidaxles; verticallyarranged pivots for connecting said spindles to saidaxles axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles gears on said axle and spindle shafts; connecting gearsfor said axle and spindle shaft gears mounted on the said spindlepivots; wheels mounted on said axle s indles connected to said spindleshafts; a ri'ving shaft; gear connections therefor to a pair of the saidaxle shafts; transmission-shafts of eac necting gears for said axle andspindle shafts mounted on said spindle pivots; wheels mounted on saidaxle spindles connected to said spindle shafts; a driving shaft; drivingconnections therefor to one of said axle shafts a pair of transmissionshafts; driving connections for one of'said transmission shafts to saiddriving shaft and for the other transmission shaft to the other of saidaxle shafts; a variable speed driving connection for said pairs oftransmission shafts consisting of wheels having rod-like spokes securedto said transmission shafts, rim blocks slidablyles connected to saidspindle shafts a driv-v said grooves mounted on said spokes, diskshaving tangentially-arranged grooves in their inner faces adapted toengage said blocks whereby, when said disks are adjusted, said blocksare shifted on said spokes, adjusting rods for said disks havingspirally-arranged grooves therein, pins on said disks arranged to engagesaid grooves whereby, .when said rods are shifted longitudinally, saiddisks are adjusted, the being oppositely arranged in said rods, wherebythe disks are adjusted oppositely; a connecting belt for said transmission wheels, said adjusting rods being connected so that they areshifted together.

21. The combination of the hollow axle; hollow spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged ivots for connecting said spindles to said ax e;axle shafts arranged in said axle; spindle shafts arranged in saidspindles; gears on said axle'and spindle shafts; connecting gears forsaid axle and spindle shafts mounted on said spindle pivots; wheelsmounted on said 'axle spindles connected to said spindle shafts; adriving shaft; driving connections therefor to one of said axle shafts;a pair of transmission shafts; driving connections for one of saidtransmission shafts to said driving shaft and for the other transmissionshaft to the other of said axle shafts; a variable speed drivingconnection for said pairs of transmissionshafts consisting of wheelshaving rod-like spokes secured to said transmission shafts, rim blocksslidably-mounted on said spokes, disks having tangentially-arrangedgrooves in their inner faces adapted to engage said blocks, whereby,when said disks are adjusted, said blocks are shifted on said spokes,and means for adjusting said disks in unison; and a connecting belt forsaid transmission wheels.

22. The combination of the hollow axle; hollow spindles for said axle;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axle;axle shafts arranged in said axle; spindle shafts arranged in saidspindles; gears on said axle and spindle shafts; connecting gears forsaid axle and spindle shafts mounted on said spindle pivots; wheelsmounted on said axle spindles connected to said spindle shafts; adriving shaft; driving connections therefor to one of said axle shafts;a pair of transmission shafts; driving connections for one of saidtransmission shafts to said driving shaft and for the other transmissionshaft to the other of said axle shafts';,and a variable speed drivingconnection for said pairs of transmission shafts.

23. The combination of the hollow axle; hollow spindles for said axle;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting'said spindles to said axles; apair of axle shafts arranged in said axles; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axle and 5 indie shafts; a connecting gearfor said a e and spindle shaft mounted on said spindle pivots;

hollow spindles for said axle; yokes arranged in pairs on said axle andspindles; vertical pivots. for said yokes; an axle shaft arranged insaid axle; spindle shafts arranged in said spindles; gears on said axleand spindle shafts arranged within said yokes; connecting gears for saidaxle and spindle shaft gears arranged in facing pairs-on said pivots forsaid yokes, between the arms thereof; the. diameter of said connectinggears bein greater than that of said gears on said axle s aft wherebythe said Wheel spindles may be turned substantially at right angles tosaid axle shafts; wheels mounted on said axle spindles connected to saidspindle shafts; and driving connections for said axle shafts.

7 25. The combination of the axle; spindles for said axle;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axle; apair of axle shafts arranged in said axle; spindle shafts arranged insaid spindles; gears on said axle andspindle shafts; a connectinggearfor said axle and spindle shaft mounted on said pivots; wheelsmounted on said axle spindles connected to said spindle shafts; anddriving means for said axle shafts embracing a variable speed mechanismwhereby the said axleshafts are positively driven at varying relativespeeds in turning the vehicle,

26. The combination of the axle; spindles for said axle; yokes arrangedin pairs on said axle and spindles; vertical pivots for said yokes; anaxle shaft arranged in said axle; spindle shafts "arranged in saidspindles; gears on said axle and spindle shafts arranged withinsaidyokes; connecting gears for said axle and spindle shaft gears arrangedin facing pairs on said pivots for said yokes, between the arms thereof;the diameter of said connecting gears being greater than that of saidgears on said axle shaft whereby, the said wheel spindles may be turnedsubstantially at right angles, to said axle shafts; wheels mounted onsaid axle s indles connected to said-spindle shafts; an drivingconnections for said axle shafts.

27. The combination of the axle; spindles for saidaxle; yokes arrangedin pairs on said axle and spindles; vertical ivotsfor said yokes; anaxle shaft; s in e shafts; gears on said axle and spin e shafts arrangedWithin said-yokes; connecting gears for said axle and. s indle shaftgears arranged on' said pivots or said yokes, between the arms thereof;the diameter of said connecting gears being greater than that of saidgears on said axle shaft whereby the said wheel spindles may be turnedsubstantially at right angles to said axle shafts; wheels mounted onsaid axle spindles connected to said spindle. shafts; and drivingconnections for said axle shafts.

28. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connectionfor said frames; hollow axles; spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;steering shafts arranged in said axles; gears on the said steer- .ingshafts; gears secured to said s indle pivots and .arranged to'mesh withsai gears on said steering shafts; Wheels on theinner ends of saidsteering shafts, each having a radially-projecting pin thereon; a pairof adjustably-mounted plates curved in cross section to correspond withthe peripheries of said wheels on said steering shafts, said plateshaving a pair of diagonally-arranged grooves in their inner facesadapted to receive said pins on said wheels, said grooves diverging ineach direction from a central point, each groove being substantiallystraight onone side of its central point and curved on the other; asteering rod mounted on said swivel for connecting said frames;connecting cables for said steering rod to said plates whereby they areadjusted; and guide pulleys for said cables, the guide pulleys for thefront plate being arranged on the said front frame and those for therear plate being arranged on the said rear frame.

29. The combination of hollow axles;

spindles for saidaxles; verticallyearranged pivots for connecting saidspindles to said thereon; a pair of adjustably-mounted p ates curved incross section to correspond with the 'eripheries of said wheels on saidsteering shafts, said plates having a pair of diagonallyarranged groovesin their inner faces adapted to receive said pins on said wheels, saidgrooves diverging in each direction from a central point, each groovebeing substantially straight on one side of its central point and curvedon the other; a steering rod mounted above said swivel for connectingsaid frames; and connections for said steering rod to said plateswhereby they are adjusted.

30. The combination of the front and rear frames; a swivel connectionfor said frames; hollow axles; spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axles;steering shafts arranged in said axles; gears on the said steeringshafts; gears secured to said spindle gears onsaid steering shafts;

radially-projectin pin thereon; a pair of adjustably-mounte platescurved in cross section to correspond with the peripher es of saidWheels on said steering shafts, said plates having a pair ofdiagonally-arranged grooves in their inner faces adapted to receive saidpins on said Wheels; a steering rod mounted above saidswivel forconnecting said frames; connecting cables for said steering rod to saidplates, whereby they are adjusted; and guide pulleys for said cables,"the guide pulleys for the front plate being ar ranged on the rear platebeing arranged on thesaid rear frame.

31. The combination of hollow axles; spindles for said axles;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said-spindles to said axles;steering shafts arranged in said axles;

gears on the said steering shafts; gears 'secured to said spindle pivotsand arran ed to mesh with said gears on said steering s shafts, eachhaving a radially-projecting pin thereon; a pair of adjustablyqnountedlates curved in cross section to correspon with the eripheries of saidwheels on sald steering sha ts, said plates having a pair ofdiagonallyarranged grooves in their inner faces adapted to receivesaidpins on said wheels; a steering rod; and connectionsfor saidsteering rod'to said plates whereby they'are adjusted.

32. The combination of the hollow axle;

spindles for said axle; vertical] -arranged plvots for connecting saidspind es to said axle; steering shafts arranged in said axle;

gears on said steering shafts; gears secured to said s indle pivots andarranged to mesh withsai gears on said steerlng shafts; a late curved incross section having a pair of diagonally-arranged grooves in its innerface, said grooves diverging in each direction from a central point,each groove being substantially straight on one side of its centralpointand curved on the other; ins carried by said steering shafts arrange toengage said grooves in said plate; and means for adjusting'said plate.33.. The combination of the hollow axle; spindles for said axle;verticall -arranged plvots-for connecting said spin es to said axle;steering shafts arranged in said axle; gears on said steering shafts;gears secured tosaid s indle pivots and arranged to mesh With sai gearson said steering shafts; a

plate curved in cross section having a pair of agonally arranged groovesin its inner face; pins carried by said steering shafts arranged toengage sald grooves inv said plate; and -60.

meansfor adjusting said late. I v 34, ,Theicombination 0 the axle;spindlesfor said axle; verticallysarranged pivots for the said frontframe and thoselfor,

said plate; and means afts; Wheels on the inner .ends of said steeringassess ranged to mesh with said gears on said steering shafts; a platecurved in cross section having apair oi diagonally-arranged grooves inits innerface, saidgrooves diverging in each direction from a centralpoint, each groove-being substantially'straight on one side of itscentral oint and curved on the other; pins carriedll said steering shaftsarranged to engagesaid grooves in said plate; and means foradjustingsaid plate.

35. The combination of the axle; spindles for said axle;vertically-arrangedpivots for connecting said spindles to said axle;steering'shafts; ears-on said steering shafts; gears'secure to saidspindle pivots and arranged to mesh 'withsaid gears on said steeringshaftsya plate curved in crosssecti'on having a pair of diagonallyarranged grooves in its lnner'face; pins can-led by. said steeringshafts arrangedto engage said grooves in for adjusting said plate. -M Ix 36. The'combination of the hollow axle; spindles for said axle;verticall -arranged PIVOtS fOI' connecting saidspind es tosaid axle;steering shafts arrangedin said axle; gears on said steering shaftsgears secured to said spindle pivots and arranged to mesh "with saidgears on said steering shafts;and

means for adjust in said steering shafts, whereby the axes o thespindles are maintained in -proper relative position, for the purpose's'eo iie 37. he combination'of the axle; spindles for said axle;vertically-arrangedpivots for connecting said spindlesto said axle;.steering shafts; gears on said steering shafts; gears secured. tosaidspindle" pivots and arranged to mesh with said gears on said" steeringshafts; and means for adjusting'said steering shafts, whereby the, axesof the spindles are maintained in-proper relative position, for

the p ose speclfied 38. he combination of the hollow axle; spindlesforsald vaxle; verticall -ar'ranged p1vots'for connectingsaid spin estosaid axle; steering shafts arranged in said axle;

. gears on said steering shafts; gears secured to said spindle-pivotsand arranged -to mesh with; said gears on said steering shafts; and

means foradjusting said steering shafts, for the. p ose specified. 1 I39. e combination of theaxle'; spindles for said axle;vertically-arranged pivots for connecting said spindles to said axle;steermg shafts; ears on said steering shafts; gears secure to saidspindlepivots' and ar ranged to mesh with said ears'on said steermgsh'afts; and means or adjusting said steerin shafts; for the p osespecified.

'40. he combination o f t he axles; pivoted spindles therefor; tractionwheels; a steerng mecha'msm adapted to maintain the proper Erelativeposition of said Wheels in s to-prevent skidding thereof; driving tosaid shafts; belt rim blocks slidablyconnections for said wheelsembracing a variable speed mechanism; and connections for said variablespeed mechanism to said steering gear, for the urpose specified.

41. In a motor vefiicle, the combination with the axles, of pivotedspindles therefor; traction wheels; a steering mechanism drivingconnections for said wheels; and connectionsfor the steering and drivingmechanisms whereby the relative speed of the wheels is varied inturning, for the purpose specified.

42. The combination with an axle of a pivotal spindle therefor;steeringshafts connected to said spindle; an adjustable member havinggrooves therein; said grooves diverging in each direction from a centralpoint; and pins on said steering shafts arranged to engage said grooves,for the purpose specified.

43. The combination with a pair of hollow shafts; driving connectionstherefor consist-- ing of wheels having rod-like spokes secured mountedon said s okes disks revolublymounted on said s afts, said disks havingtangentially-arranged grooves on their inner face sadapted to engagesaid blocks, whereby, when said disks are adjusted, said blocks areshifted on said spokes to vary the belt rims; adjusting rods for saiddisks having spirally- .arranged in said rods, so that the rods areshifted longitudinally, said disks are" adjusted, the said grooves beingop ositelyisks are adjusted oppositely; a connecting belt for saidwheels; and connections for said adgether. v a v '44. The combinationwitha pair of shafts; driving connections therefor consisting of wheelshaving rod-like spokes secured to said shafts; belt rim blocksslidably-mounted on said s okes; disks revolubly-mounted on said sha ts,said disks having tangentiallyarranged grooves on their inner facesadapted to engage said blocks, whereby, when said disks are adjusted,said blocks are shifted on said spokes to var the belt rims; means foradjusting said dis s and aconnecting belt for said wheels. 7

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the presence oftwo witnesses.

EDWARD P. COOPER. "[L. s.]

Witness es:

W. N. LONGWELL, CLARENCE Goonmcn.

'justing rods whereby they are adjusted .to-

